For Your Professional Reading

February 21, 2011

(Shared by Dr. Cecile Arquette, Associate Professor)

“If you have never had the experience of having to try to live and work in a place that doesn’t speak your home language, read The Arrival by Shaun Tan. This is a wordless novel that vividly shows the reader the emotions of a man forced to flee his family and home country, and the difficulties and eventual happiness he finds in his new home. The first time I read it (yes, you can read a wordless picture book), I spent nearly two hours examining the detailed, emotion-filled pictures. This book is one you can use with your students as well, for discussions about immigration and what it feels like to be completely out of your element.”

“Getting Started with English Language Learnersis a slim volume that gives an overview of how a learner acquires a new language. Different types of programs are discussed and strategies are included for the various content areas. Assessment at the middle and high school levels is also included.

Other Resources

(Shared by Dr. Patricia Chrosniak, Associate Professor)

“A wonderful book for those who have had less than pleasant experiences with math is The Calculus Diaries: How Math Can Help You Lose Weight, Win inVegas, and Survive a Zombie Apocalypse by Jennifer Ouellette. The author provides a sensible, and sometimes humorous, touch to math understanding. The book is written with the reader as a friend and commiserator.”

“If you have not yet heard about Understanding by Designby Drs. Grant Wiggins and Jay McTighe, a good resource is Jay McTighe’s website, www.jaymctighe.com. You will especially appreciate the interpretation of essential questions and enduring understandings. Both have become common terms in discussions of lesson and unit planning. UbD is a practical curriculum design based upon the research of Grant Wiggins.”

Citations

Tan, S. (2007). The arrival. New York, NY: Arthur A. Levine Books.

Haynes, J. (2007). Getting started with English language learners. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Development.

Ouellette, J. (2010). The calculus diaries: How math can help you lose weight, win in Vegas, and survive a zombie apocalypse. New York, NY: Penguin Group, Inc.

If You Are Considering Sharing Your Expertise

The organization Teachers Without Borders enables teachers of all fields to participate with other teachers who need coaching and assistance to build up their educational programs. In the words of the leadership, “Teachers Without Borders is a non-profit, international organization with a small staff and a membership of over 6,500 in over 180 countries. Our programs are conceived by, led, and developed by local education leaders and supported by a global network of colleagues.” Should you want to know more, you may check the website www.teacherswithoutborders.org or contact Dr. Pat Chrosniak.